Glass processing apparatus and methods

ABSTRACT

Glass processing apparatus each include a first sheet guide device and a second sheet guide device with a gap configured to receive a glass sheet. In one example, an adjustment member can move the first sheet guide device relative to the second sheet guide device such that the gap is tapered with respect to a glass travel direction. In another example, a glass working member can work an edge of the glass sheet. In further examples, methods of processing a glass sheet each include the steps of providing a gap between a first sheet guide device and a second sheet guide device, passing an edge portion of the glass sheet through the gap, and working an edge of the glass sheet while passing the edge portion of the glass sheet through the gap.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 ofU.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/945,156 filed on Feb. 27, 2014the content of which is relied upon and incorporated herein by referencein its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates generally to a glass processing apparatus andmethods and, more particularly, to glass processing apparatus andmethods for supporting an edge portion of a glass sheet while working anedge of the glass sheet.

BACKGROUND

Glass manufacturing apparatus are commonly used to form glass ribbonthat may be separated into glass sheets that may be used for display andother applications. After separating, it is known to use a workingmember to work the edge of the glass sheet, for example, by grinding,polishing, cleaning, finishing, or otherwise working the edge.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of the disclosure in orderto provide a basic understanding of some example aspects described inthe detailed description.

In a first aspect of the disclosure, a glass processing apparatuscomprises a first sheet guide device and a second sheet guide device.The first sheet guide device is movably coupled relative to the secondsheet guide device. A gap configured to receive a glass sheet is definedbetween the first sheet guide device and the second sheet guide device.An adjustment member is configured to move the first sheet guide devicerelative to the second sheet guide device, such that the gap is taperedwith respect to a glass travel direction.

In one example of the first aspect, at least one of the first sheetguide device and the second sheet guide device comprises rollers.

In another example of the first aspect, at least one of the first sheetguide device and the second sheet guide device comprises an endlessbelt.

In still another example of the first aspect, the adjustment member isoff-center of the first sheet guide device.

The first aspect may be provided alone or in combination with one or anycombination of the examples of the first aspect discussed above.

In a second aspect of the disclosure, a glass processing apparatuscomprises a first sheet guide device and a second sheet guide device.The first sheet guide device is movably coupled relative to the secondsheet guide device. A gap configured to receive a glass sheet is definedbetween the first sheet guide device and the second sheet guide device,and a glass working member is configured to work an edge of the glasssheet.

In one example of the second aspect, at least one of the first sheetguide device and the second sheet guide device comprises rollers.

In another example of the second aspect, at least one of the first sheetguide device and the second sheet guide device comprises an endlessbelt.

In still another example of the second aspect, the glass processingapparatus further comprises an adjustment member configured to move thefirst sheet guide device relative to the second sheet guide device, suchthat the gap is tapered with respect to a glass travel direction. In oneexample, the adjustment member is off-center of the first sheet guidedevice.

In still another example of the second aspect, the first sheet guidedevice and the second sheet guide device are mounted relative to theglass working member. In one example, the first sheet guide device andthe second sheet guide device are adjustably mounted relative to theglass working member to allow selected positioning of the gap withrespect to the glass working member. In another example, the glassworking member comprises a glass working wheel including an outerperipheral working surface circumscribing a rotational axis of the glassworking wheel, wherein the outer peripheral working surface includes anaxial width extending along an axial direction of the rotational axis.In one particular example, the first sheet guide device and the secondsheet guide device are adjustably mounted relative to the glass workingwheel to allow selected positioning of the gap with respect to apreselected axial location along the axial width of the glass workingwheel. In still another example, the glass processing apparatus furthercomprises a glass working shroud defining a glass working area, whereinthe glass working member is at least partially received within the glassworking area of the glass working shroud, and wherein the first sheetguide device and the second sheet guide device are mounted relative tothe glass working shroud. In one particular example, the first sheetguide device and the second sheet guide device are adjustably mountedrelative to the glass working member to allow selected positioning ofthe gap with respect to a slot defined by the glass working shroud. Inanother particular example, the glass working member comprises a glassworking wheel including an outer peripheral working surfacecircumscribing a rotational axis of the glass working wheel. The outerperipheral working surface includes an axial width extending along anaxial direction of the rotational axis of the glass working wheel. Thefirst sheet guide device and the second sheet guide device areadjustably mounted relative to the glass working wheel to allow selectedpositioning of the gap with respect to a preselected axial locationalong the axial width of the glass working wheel.

The second aspect may be provided alone or in combination with one orany combination of the examples of the second aspect discussed above.

In a third aspect of the disclosure, a method of processing a glasssheet comprises the step (I) of providing a gap between a first sheetguide device and a second sheet guide device and the step (II) ofpassing an edge portion of the glass sheet through the gap in a glasstravel direction, wherein the edge portion within the gap is supportedby at least one of the first sheet guide device and the second sheetguide device. The method further includes the step (III) of working anedge of the glass sheet while passing the edge portion of the glasssheet through the gap.

In one example of the third aspect, the gap is tapered with respect tothe glass travel direction.

In another example of the third aspect, step (II) further comprises thestep of providing a lubricant between the first sheet guide device andthe second sheet guide device while passing the edge portion of theglass sheet through the gap in a glass travel direction, wherein theedge portion is supported by the lubricant with at least one of thefirst sheet guide device and the second sheet guide device.

In still another example of the third aspect, the first sheet guidedevice and the second sheet guide device are mounted relative to a glassworking member.

The third aspect may be provided alone or in combination with one or anycombination of the examples of the third aspect discussed above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other aspects are better understood when the followingdetailed description is read with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of an example glassprocessing apparatus;

FIG. 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of the example glassprocessing apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the example glass processingapparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 illustrates the front view of the example glass processingapparatus of FIG. 3 with a gap defined between a first sheet guidedevice and a second sheet guide device;

FIG. 5 illustrates a front perspective view of an example sheet guidedevice of the glass processing apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 illustrates a front perspective view of the example glassprocessing apparatus of FIG. 1, wherein the first sheet guide device andthe second sheet guide device are mounted relative to a glass workingmember of the glass processing apparatus; and

FIG. 7 illustrates a front perspective view of another example glassprocessing apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Examples will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference tothe accompanying drawings in which example embodiments are shown.Whenever possible, the same reference numerals are used throughout thedrawings to refer to the same or like parts. However, aspects may beembodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limitedto the embodiments set forth herein.

Referring to FIG. 1, an example glass processing apparatus 101 isprovided with various example features that may be used either alone orin combination to support and/or guide a glass sheet 111. In oneexample, the glass processing apparatus 101 may support and/or guide aglass sheet 111 to minimize bevelle edge asymmetry. For the purpose offurther discussion, a glass sheet, and in particular a glass sheetsuitable for use in the manufacture of liquid crystal displays will behereinafter assumed and described. However, it should be noted that thepresent disclosure has applicability to supporting or guiding an edgeportion of other types of glass sheets.

The glass sheet can be considered sheets that are separated from a glassribbon formed with a glass ribbon manufacturing process using techniquessuch as down-drawn, up-draw, float, fusion, press rolling, or slot draw,or other techniques. For example, a glass ribbon may be periodicallyseparated into sheets and may even be further subdivided into smallersheets. In such examples, the glass processing apparatus of the presentdisclosure may be used to work one or more edges of the separated glasssheets. In further examples, the glass sheet may be considered the glassribbon. For example, the glass sheet may comprise a glass ribbon priorto being divided into individual sheets. In such an example, afterforming the glass ribbon, the outer edges of the glass ribbon may beremoved, and then the remaining edges of the glass ribbon may be workedwith the glass processing apparatus of the disclosure.

In one example, the glass sheet 111 can comprise a sheet of glass thatmay be incorporated in a liquid crystal display wherein there is adesire to work an edge 115 of the glass sheet 111 to improve the qualityand to increase the strength of the edge 115 of the glass sheet 111. Asshown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the edge 115 can comprise the outer peripheraledge 113 of the glass sheet 111 between the thickness “T” of the glasssheet 111 from a first major surface 117 facing a first direction (e.g.,upward as shown in FIG. 4) and a second surface 119 facing a seconddirection (e.g., downward as shown in FIG. 4) of the glass sheet 111. Inaddition or alternatively, the edge 115 can comprise a portion of thefirst major surface 117 and/or a portion of the second major surface 119of the glass sheet 111, with or without comprising the outer peripheraledge 113 of the glass sheet 111. In further examples, the edge 115 cancomprise the outer peripheral edge 113 of the glass sheet 111 togetherwith the portion of the first major surface 117 and/or the portion ofthe second major surface 119. In another example, the glass sheet 111can comprise an edge portion 120 of the glass sheet. The edge portion120 of the glass sheet can, for example, comprise major surface portionsof the glass sheet adjacent the edge 115 as described above and, in someexamples, may include part or all of the edge 115.

Although not required, as shown in FIG. 1, the illustrated example ofthe glass processing apparatus 101 is shown processing a glass sheet 111that is in a substantially horizontal orientation wherein the glasssheet 111 extends substantially along the illustrated X-Y plane with theforce of gravity acting in the Z direction. In such an example, thesecond major surface 119 faces in the direction of gravity while thefirst major surface 117 faces in the opposite direction away fromgravity. Although not shown, in further examples, the glass sheet may beoriented at an incline relative to the X-Y orientation and, in someexamples, may be oriented along the X-Z and/or Y-Z plane. Regardless ofthe orientation, a glass processing apparatus 101 may be used to supportand/or guide the glass sheet 111.

A first aspect of the disclosure, as shown in FIGS. 1-4, can include aglass processing apparatus 101 which can comprise a first sheet guidedevice 201, a second sheet guide device 301, wherein the first sheetguide device 201 can be movably coupled relative to the second sheetguide device 301, and wherein a gap 500 (see FIG. 4) configured toreceive a glass sheet 111 can be defined between the first sheet guidedevice 201 and the second sheet guide device 301. The glass processingapparatus 101 can also include an adjustment member 401 configured tomove the first sheet guide device 201 relative to the second sheet guidedevice 301, such that the gap 500 can be a tapered gap 501 with respectto a glass travel direction 505.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a first sheet guide device 201 can be coupledto a primary support 450, for example, by a removable or fixedconnection. Further, the second sheet guide device 301 can also becoupled to the primary support 450, for example, by a removable or fixedconnection. Coupling of the first sheet guide device 201 and/or thesecond sheet guide device 301 to the primary support can be achieved bya wide range of coupling features such as a threaded connection, athreaded bushing connection, or other coupling feature. Although thefirst sheet guide device 201 and the second sheet guide device 301 areillustrated as coupled to the same primary support 450, in furtherexamples, the sheet guide devices may be coupled to different supports.For example, the primary support 450 may comprise two supports that mayindependently support the first sheet guide device and the second sheetguide device, respectively.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in one example, the first sheet guide device201 can be coupled to the primary support 450 through a primary supportconnecting member 455. As shown, the primary support connecting member455 may be coupled to an adjustment member 401. In one example, asillustrated in FIG. 4, the adjustment member 401 can be configured tomove the first sheet guide device 201 relative to the second sheet guidedevice 301. For example, the adjustment member 401 can be coupled to theprimary support connecting member 455 and/or the first sheet guidedevice 201 by a removable or fixed connection. For example, coupling maybe achieved by various alternative features such as a threadedconnection, a threaded bushing connection, or other fastening feature.In still another example, the adjustment member 401 can be coupled tothe primary support connecting member 455 at one end and to the firstsheet guide device 201 at another end.

As shown in FIG. 3, in one example, the first sheet guide device 201 maybe configured to contact the second sheet guide device 301. In anotherexample, as shown in FIG. 4, the first sheet guide device 201 can beconfigured to be substantially separated from the second sheet guidedevice 301 to define a gap 500 defined between the first sheet guidedevice 201 and the second sheet guide device 301. In one example, theadjustment member 401 is configured to move the first sheet guide device201 relative to the second sheet guide device 301 to form the gap 500.Although not required, the formed gap 500 may be a tapered gap 501 withrespect to a glass travel direction 505 of a glass sheet 111.

As shown in FIG. 4, the adjustment member 401 can comprise andadjustment knob 402, an adjustment rod 403, a resilient adjustmentmember 405, and adjustment guides 407. In one example, the adjustmentknob 402 is configured to control adjustment of the adjustment member401. For example, the adjustment knob 402 can be configured such that byturning the adjustment knob 402, the adjustment rod 403, likewise turns,and the first sheet guide device 201 moves relative to the second sheetguide device 301. In another example, the adjustment rod 403 can be athreaded rod which can threadingly engage the first sheet guide device201 and the primary support connecting member 455. In still anotherexample, the adjustment member 401 can be configured to bias the firstsheet guide device 201 relative to primary support 450. For example, aresilient adjustment member 405 can be configured to bias the firstsheet guide device 201 relative to the primary support 450. In anotherexample, adjustment guides 407 can be configured to guide movement ofthe first sheet guide device 201 relative to the primary support 450.

In still another example of the first aspect, shown in FIGS. 3 and 4,the adjustment member 401 can be off-center of the first sheet guidedevice 201. As noted, the adjustment member 401 can be configured tobias the first sheet guide device relative to the second sheet guidedevice such that the gap 500 can be a tapered gap 501 with respect to aglass travel direction 505. For example, the adjustment knob 402 can beconfigured to move the adjustment rod 403 which, in turn, moves thefirst sheet guide device 201 relative to the second sheet guide device301. In another example, the adjustment member 401 can be off-center ofthe first sheet guide device 201, and the first sheet guide device 201,when moved relative to the second sheet guide device 301, can pivot suchthat the gap 500 defined between the first sheet guide device 201 andthe second sheet guide device 301 can be a tapered gap 501. The firstsheet guide device 201 can pivot accordingly because, for example, theadjustment member 401 can be configured to provide off-center support ofthe first sheet guide device 201 such that the first sheet guide device201 can move in a non-parallel manner relative to the second sheet guidedevice 301. Such non-parallel movement of the first sheet guide device201 can occur, for example, due to the force of gravity acting uniformlyon the first sheet guide device 201, wherein the adjustment member 401can be off-center of the first sheet guide device 201.

Referring to FIG. 5, an example sheet guide device is provided. While, asecond sheet guide device 301 is illustrated, it is to be understoodthat a first sheet guide device 201 can comprise all or some of thefeatures described with respect to the second sheet guide device 301.For simplification, therefore, the terms first and second are notincluded when describing the following example features of the firstsheet guide device 201 and/or the second sheet guide device 301. Asshown, the sheet guide device 301 can comprise a sheet guide member 303and a sheet guide bracket 305. The sheet guide member 303 can comprise asheet guide surface 310 configured to support and/or guide the glasssheet 111. In addition, the sheet guide member 303 can be movablycoupled relative to the sheet guide bracket 305, for example, with oneor more resilient sheet guide members 309. The one or more resilientsheet guide members 309 can be configured to resiliently bias the sheetguide member 303 relative to the sheet guide bracket 305, for example,to allow for translation and/or rotation of the sheet guide member 303relative to the sheet guide bracket 305. Such translation and/orrotation of the sheet guide member can, for example, vary the gap 500,501 defined between the first sheet guide device 201 and the secondsheet guide device 301.

In an alternative example, as shown in FIG. 7, at least one of the firstsheet guide device 201 and the second sheet guide device 301 cancomprise rollers 700. In addition or alternatively, at least one of thefirst sheet guide device 201 and the second sheet guide device 301 cancomprise an endless belt 702. Embodiments including the endless belt 702may include an optional tension adjuster 704 configured to adjust atension of the endless belt 702. In the illustrated example, each of thefirst and second sheet guide device includes a plurality of rollerscircumscribed by the endless belt 702. The endless belt 702 can beconfigured to substantially contact the glass sheet 111 to guide and/orsupport the glass sheet 111. Although not shown, in further exampleswithout the endless belt, the rollers 700 can be configured tosubstantially contact the glass sheet 111 to guide and/or support theglass sheet 111.

The variation in the gap 500, 501 can, for example, be configured topermit the glass processing apparatus 101 to receive glass sheets 111 ofdiffering thicknesses and/or sizes. In another example, the variation ofthe gap 500, 501 can be configured to allow for added dampening ofvibratory motion of a glass sheet 111 when, for instance, the glasssheet 111 is being guided or supported by the sheet guide surface 310 ofthe sheet guide member 303. For example, when a glass sheet 111 isreceived between the first sheet guide device 201 and the second sheetguide device 301 it may be subjected to motion or movement. In oneexample, the glass sheet 111 may be subjected to motion, such astranslational motion while passing through the gap 500, 501, vibratorymotion while an edge 115 of the glass sheet 111 is worked and an edgeportion 120 of the glass sheet 111 is passed through the gap, or anyother translation, rotation, or other motion imparted on the glass sheet111 by any event which would cause the glass sheet 111 to move. Stillfurther, the variation in the gap 500, 501 can be configured to permitthe glass processing apparatus 101 to receive a glass sheet 111 ofvarying flatness and to support and/or guide the glass sheet of varyingflatness. For example, the first sheet guide device 201 and the secondsheet guide device 301 can be configured to accommodate an otherwiseplanar glass sheet 111, wherein the glass sheet comprises imperfectionsor anomalies which render all or portions of the glass sheet non-planar.For example, as noted, the one or more resilient sheet guide members 309can be configured to resiliently bias the sheet guide member 303relative to the sheet guide bracket 305. In an inactive state,therefore, a biasing force can exist in the one or more resilient sheetguide members 309. This biasing force can act substantially along theone or more resilient sheet guide members 309 in a direction from thesheet guide bracket 305 to the sheet guide member 303. In an activestate, when for example, a glass sheet is received between the firstsheet guide device and the second sheet guide device, the sheet guidemember 303 can move in a direction towards the sheet guide bracket thusproducing within one or more of the resilient sheet guide members 309 aforce acting in a direction substantially opposite that of the biasingforce acting in the active state. The forces present in the one or moreresilient sheet guide members 309, whether in an active or inactivestate, therefore bias the sheet guide member 303 relative to the sheetguide bracket 305 such that at least one of the first sheet guide device201 and the second sheet guide device 301 can support and/or guide aglass sheet 111 received between the first sheet guide device 201 andthe second sheet guide device 301.

The sheet guide device can optionally comprise one or more slidingconnectors 307. The sliding connectors 307 can couple the sheet guidemember 303 relative to the sheet guide bracket 305 and can be configuredto permit translational and/or rotational motion of the sheet guidemember 303 relative to the sheet guide bracket 305. A sliding connector307 can, for instance, be attached to the sheet guide bracket 305 by aremovable or fixed connection. Further, the sliding connector 307 canpass through an aperture formed in the sheet guide member 303 tofacilitate movement of the sheet guide member 303 relative to the sheetguide bracket 305. The aperture formed in the sheet guide member 303through which the sliding connector 307 passes can be formed as anelongated aperture, along which the sliding connector 307 can slide. Thesliding connector 307 can also comprise an end having a size larger thana dimension of the aperture such that the sliding connector 307 cansubstantially restrict the sheet guide member 303 from coming uncoupledfrom the sheet guide bracket 305. The sheet guide member 303 cantherefore slide with the elongated aperture formed therein, relative tothe sheet guide bracket 305 and with respect to the sliding connector307. The sheet guide member 303 can thus be configured to undergotranslational and/or rotational motion relative to the sheet guidebracket 305.

In another example, as shown in FIG. 5, the sheet guide member 303 cancomprise grooves and/or channels 311, 312 formed substantially on thesheet guide surface 310. In one example, longitudinal grooves and/orchannels 311 can extend substantially parallel to a longitudinal lengthof the sheet guide member 303. In another example, transverse groovesand/or channels 312 can extend transverse to the longitudinal length ofthe sheet guide member 303, such as substantially perpendicular to or atan angle relative to the longitudinal length of the sheet guide member303. The grooves and/or channels 311, 312 can be configured tofacilitate flow of a lubricant 800 (schematically shown in FIG. 4 in thespace between the first sheet guide device 201 and the second sheetguide device 301) provided between at least the first sheet guide device201 and the second sheet guide device 301. A lubricant can reduce and/orsubstantially eliminate the coefficient of friction existing between thesheet guide surface 310 of the sheet guide devices and the glass sheet111 when the glass sheet 111 is received in the gap 500, 501. In oneexample, the lubricant 800 can comprise water or other fluid lubricants.As such, in some examples, the lubricant 800 can form a layersubstantially separating the glass sheet 111 from contacting the sheetguide surface 310 of one or both of the sheet guide devices. In otherinstances, as noted, the lubricant 800 can reduce the coefficient offriction between the sheet guide surface 310 and the glass sheet 111. Instill other instances, the glass sheet 111 contacts a location on thesheet guide surface 310 without any lubricant 800 provided between thatlocation on the sheet guide surface 310 and the glass sheet 111. Assuch, instances may exist where there is substantially complete,substantially partial, or substantially no contact between all or partof the glass sheet 111, all or part of the sheet guide surface 310, andall or part of the lubricant 800 are equally applicable with respect tothe supporting and/or guiding characteristics regarding the first sheetguide device 201 and the second sheet guide device 301. As such, the useof the terms support, substantially support and/or guide a glass sheetis to be understood to encompass all of the variations and embodimentsdescribed herein.

As further shown in FIG. 5, the sheet guide member 303 can comprisechamfered corners 315 which can be configured to permit the glassprocessing apparatus 101 to receive a glass sheet 111. For instance, achamfered corner 315 can be configured to eliminate sharp points oredges on the sheet guide member 303 which might otherwise have atendency to scratch or break a glass sheet 111. Still further, achamfered corner 315 can be configured to increase an opening dimensionof the gap 500, 501 defined between the first sheet guide device 201 andthe second sheet guide device 301, such that a glass sheet 111 can beinitially received between the larger opening dimension and thendirected to the sheet guide surface 310 where it can be supported and/orguided through the gap 500, 501.

A second aspect of the disclosure can include a glass processingapparatus 101 which can comprise a first sheet guide device 201, asecond sheet guide device 301, wherein the first sheet guide device 201can be movably coupled relative to the second sheet guide device 301,and wherein a gap 500 configured to receive a glass sheet 111 can bedefined between the first sheet guide device 201 and the second sheetguide device 301, and a glass working member 1000 (e.g., see FIG. 6)configured to work the edge 115 of the glass sheet 111.

For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the glass working member 1000 may bedesigned to work an edge 115 of the glass sheet 111. In one example, theglass working member 1000 can work an edge 115 of the glass sheet 111 toprovide an angled or rounded transition between the first surface 117and/or the second surface 119 and the outer peripheral edge 113. Workingthe edge 115 of the glass sheet 111 in such a manner can reduce theprobability of stress fractures from forming and propagating to theinterior portion of the glass sheet and/or may otherwise enhance thequality of the glass sheet 111.

In still another example of the second aspect, shown in FIG. 6, thefirst sheet guide device 201 and the second sheet guide device 301 canbe mounted relative to the glass working member 1000. For example, thefirst sheet guide device 201 and the second sheet guide device 301 canbe adjustably mounted relative to the glass working member 1000 to allowselected positioning of the gap 500, 501 with respect to the glassworking member 1000.

In another example, the glass working member 1000 can comprise a glassworking wheel 1001 which can include an outer peripheral working surface1003 circumscribing a rotational axis 1100 of the glass working wheel1001, wherein the outer peripheral working surface 1003 can include anaxial width 1101 extending along an axial direction 1102 of therotational axis 1100. For example, the first sheet guide device 201 andthe second sheet guide device 301 can be adjustably mounted relative tothe glass working wheel 1001 to allow selected positioning of the gap500, 501 with respect to a preselected axial location 1103 along theaxial width 1101 of the glass working wheel 1001. The glass workingwheel 1001 can rotate in a rotational direction 1200 about therotational axis 1100 such that the outer peripheral working surface 1003of the glass working wheel 1001 can work an edge 115, such as an outerperipheral edge 113, of a glass sheet 111.

In still another example, the glass processing apparatus 101 can furthercomprise a glass working shroud 1005 defining a glass working area 1010,wherein the glass working member 1000 can be at least partially receivedwithin the glass working area 1010 of the glass working shroud 1005. Insuch examples, the first sheet guide device 201 and the second sheetguide device 301 can be mounted relative to the glass working shroud1005. For example, the first sheet guide device 201 and the second sheetguide device 301 can be adjustably mounted relative to the glass workingmember 1000 to allow selected positioning of the gap 500, 501 withrespect to a slot 1007 defined in the glass working shroud 1005. In oneexample, the outer peripheral working surface 1003 circumscribes therotational axis 1100 of the glass working wheel 1001 such that the outerperipheral working surface 1003 includes the axial width 1101 extendingalong the axial direction 1102 of the rotational axis 1100. In suchexamples, the first sheet guide device 201 and the second sheet guidedevice 301 can be adjustably mounted relative to the glass working wheel1001 to allow selected positioning of the gap 500, 501 with respect to apreselected axial location 1103 along the axial width 1101 of the glassworking wheel 1001.

The glass working shroud 1005 can be designed to shield the surfaces117, 119 of the glass sheet 111 from particles and/or other contaminantsassociated with the working process. As shown in FIG. 6, the glassworking shroud 1005 can be provided with a slot 1007 configured toreceive an edge 115 of the glass sheet 111. Moreover, the glass workingshroud 1005 can be mounted relative to the glass working wheel 1001 suchthat a central axis of the glass working shroud 1005 is coincident withthe rotational axis 1100 of the glass working wheel 1001.

Methods of working a glass sheet 111 can include cleaning or machining(e.g., beveling) the edge 115, such as the outer peripheral edge 113, ofthe glass sheet 111. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the glass workingwheel 1001 can be rotated in a rotational direction 1200 about therotational axis 1100 such that the outer peripheral working surface 1003works the edge 115 of the glass sheet 111. In one example, the glasssheet 111 can be moved relative to the glass working wheel 1001 along aglass travel direction 505 while the glass working wheel 1001 rotates ina rotational direction 1200 about the rotational axis 1100. As such, theouter peripheral working surface 1003 including a preselected axiallocation 1103 along the axial width 1101 of the glass working wheel 1001can travel in the rotational direction 1200 while the glass sheet 111can move relative to the glass working wheel 1001. Relative movementbetween the glass sheet 111 and the glass working member 1000 can beprovided by moving the glass working member 1000 relative to the glasssheet 111 and/or the glass sheet 111 relative to the glass workingmember 1000. The glass working wheel 1001 can comprise a grinding wheelwith diamond particles or other materials sufficient to work (such asgrind, polish, clean, or otherwise finish) the edge of the glass sheet111.

In another example, shown in FIG. 2, the glass processing apparatus 101can comprise a secondary support 600. The secondary support 600 cancomprise secondary support connection members 606, 607, 608 which can beconfigured to engage the primary support 450. For example, the secondarysupport connection members 606, 607, 608 can be configured to rotatablyengage the primary support 450, such that the primary support 450 canrotate relative to the secondary support 600. In one example, thesecondary support 600 can comprise a recess 615 (see FIG. 3) configuredto receive a portion of the primary support 450 therein. In anotherexample, shown in FIG. 6, the secondary support 600 can be configured toengage the glass working shroud 1005 (if provided), or the glass workingmember 1000. As shown in FIG. 2, the secondary support 600 can comprisesecondary support fasteners 602 which can be configured to removably orfixedly couple the secondary support 600 to the glass working member1000 and/or the glass working shroud 1005. In still another example, thesecondary support 600 can comprise a secondary support bracket 604 whichcan be configured to removably or fixedly couple the secondary support600 to the glass working member 1000 and/or the glass working shroud1005. As shown in FIG. 3, the secondary support 600 can comprise asecondary support adjustment member 601. In one example, the secondarysupport adjustment member 601 can be configured to adjust a position ofthe first sheet guide device 201 and the second sheet guide device 301relative to the secondary support 600. The secondary support adjustmentmember 601 can comprise features substantially the same or similar tothose described with respect to the adjustment member 401.

A third aspect of the disclosure can include a method of processing aglass sheet 111 which can comprise the steps of (I) providing a gap 500between a first sheet guide device 201 and a second sheet guide device301, (II) passing an edge portion 120 of the glass sheet 111 through thegap 500 in a glass travel direction 505, wherein the edge portion 120within the gap 500 can be supported by at least one of the first sheetguide device 201 and the second sheet guide device 301, and (III)working an edge 115 of the glass sheet 111 while passing the edgeportion 120 of the glass sheet 111 through the gap 500.

In one example of the third aspect, as shown in FIG. 4, the gap 500 canbe a tapered gap 501 with respect to the glass travel direction 505.

In another example of the third aspect, step (II) can further comprisethe step of providing a lubricant 800 between the first sheet guidedevice 201 and the second sheet guide device 301 while passing the edgeportion 120 of the glass sheet 111 through the gap 500 in a glass traveldirection 505, wherein the edge portion 120 is supported by thelubricant 800 with at least one of the first sheet guide device 201 andthe second sheet guide device 301.

In still another example of the third aspect, the first sheet guidedevice 201 and the second sheet guide device 301 can be mounted relativeto a glass working member 1000.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made to the present disclosurewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matterclaimed.

What is claimed is:
 1. A glass processing apparatus comprising: a firstsheet guide device; a second sheet guide device, wherein the first sheetguide device is movably coupled relative to the second sheet guidedevice, and wherein a gap configured to receive a glass sheet is definedbetween the first sheet guide device and the second sheet guide device;and an adjustment member configured to move the first sheet guide devicerelative to the second sheet guide device, such that the gap is taperedwith respect to a glass travel direction.
 2. The glass processingapparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first sheet guidedevice and the second sheet guide device comprises rollers.
 3. The glassprocessing apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first sheetguide device and the second sheet guide device comprises an endlessbelt.
 4. The glass processing apparatus of claim 1, wherein theadjustment member is off-center of the first sheet guide device.
 5. Aglass processing apparatus comprising: a first sheet guide device; asecond sheet guide device, wherein the first sheet guide device ismovably coupled relative to the second sheet guide device, and wherein agap configured to receive a glass sheet is defined between the firstsheet guide device and the second sheet guide device; and a glassworking member configured to work an edge of the glass sheet.
 6. Theglass processing apparatus of claim 5, wherein at least one of the firstsheet guide device and the second sheet guide device comprises rollers.7. The glass processing apparatus of claim 5, wherein at least one ofthe first sheet guide device and the second sheet guide device comprisesan endless belt.
 8. The glass processing apparatus of claim 5, furthercomprising an adjustment member configured to move the first sheet guidedevice relative to the second sheet guide device, such that the gap istapered with respect to a glass travel direction.
 9. The glassprocessing apparatus of claim 8, wherein the adjustment member isoff-center of the first sheet guide device.
 10. The glass processingapparatus of claim 5, wherein the first sheet guide device and thesecond sheet guide device are mounted relative to the glass workingmember.
 11. The glass processing apparatus of claim 10, wherein thefirst sheet guide device and the second sheet guide device areadjustably mounted relative to the glass working member to allowselected positioning of the gap with respect to the glass workingmember.
 12. The glass processing apparatus of claim 10, wherein theglass working member comprises a glass working wheel including an outerperipheral working surface circumscribing a rotational axis of the glassworking wheel, wherein the outer peripheral working surface includes anaxial width extending along an axial direction of the rotational axis.13. The glass processing apparatus of claim 12, wherein the first sheetguide device and the second sheet guide device are adjustably mountedrelative to the glass working wheel to allow selected positioning of thegap with respect to a preselected axial location along the axial widthof the glass working wheel.
 14. The glass processing apparatus of claim10, further comprising a glass working shroud defining a glass workingarea, wherein the glass working member is at least partially receivedwithin the glass working area of the glass working shroud, and whereinthe first sheet guide device and the second sheet guide device aremounted relative to the glass working shroud.
 15. The glass processingapparatus of claim 14, wherein the first sheet guide device and thesecond sheet guide device are adjustably mounted relative to the glassworking member to allow selected positioning of the gap with respect toa slot defined by the glass working shroud.
 16. The glass processingapparatus of claim 14, wherein the glass working member comprises aglass working wheel including an outer peripheral working surfacecircumscribing a rotational axis of the glass working wheel, wherein theouter peripheral working surface includes an axial width extending alongan axial direction of the rotational axis of the glass working wheel,and wherein the first sheet guide device and the second sheet guidedevice are adjustably mounted relative to the glass working wheel toallow selected positioning of the gap with respect to a preselectedaxial location along the axial width of the glass working wheel.
 17. Amethod of processing a glass sheet comprising the steps of: (I)providing a gap between a first sheet guide device and a second sheetguide device; (II) passing an edge portion of the glass sheet throughthe gap in a glass travel direction, wherein the edge portion within thegap is supported by at least one of the first sheet guide device and thesecond sheet guide device; and (III) working an edge of the glass sheetwhile passing the edge portion of the glass sheet through the gap. 18.The method of claim 17, wherein the gap is tapered with respect to theglass travel direction.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein step (II)further comprises the step of providing a lubricant between the firstsheet guide device and the second sheet guide device while passing theedge portion of the glass sheet through the gap in a glass traveldirection, wherein the edge portion is supported by the lubricant withat least one of the first sheet guide device and the second sheet guidedevice.
 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the first sheet guide deviceand the second sheet guide device are mounted relative to a glassworking member.